Terse
mediumNeutral toneTURS
adjective
Definition
Sparing in the use of words; abrupt
Memory hook
TERSE: So brief it's almost TENSE -- terse replies feel curt, like one-word answers.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“His terse reply suggested he was annoyed.”
“The memo was written in terse, businesslike language.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“His ______ reply suggested he was annoyed.”
Show answer
terse
Categories
GRE Tip
Terse is a medium-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "concise" or "laconic" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "verbose".
Related GRE Words
compendious
Containing a lot of information in a concise form; comprehensive yet brief
laconic
Using very few words; concise to the point of seeming rude or mysterious
pithy
Concise and forcefully expressive
epigrammatic
Concise, clever, and memorable in expression
curt
Rudely brief or abrupt in speech or manner
succinct
Briefly and clearly expressed
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